PRUSSIA.
American Consulate General,
Berlin, Germany.
March 10, 1913.
I acknowledge receipt of your letter of February 9, 1913, relative to expenditures of the Prussian Government for the benefit of musical art.
I am informed by the Prussian Statistical Bureau that no definite figures are available as to expenditures in this branch of education. The Prussian Minister of Education has also been unable to inform me of the amount utilized in this particular branch. He adds that the amount so expended varies from year to year.
Aside from the Prussian Government various municipalities within the Kingdom occasionally make money grants for the encouragement of musical students. Last year, for example, the City of Berlin voted Marks 60,000 ($14,280.) in order that the Philharmonic Orchestra might be retained in the city during the summer months instead of visiting sea shore and other resorts. In consideration of this subsidy, the orchestra played popular concerts at certain large halls at a nominal rate of admission.
The German Emperor in his private capacity is a liberal contributor to musical art. He makes money grants annually for the support of the Royal Opera in Berlin, the amount varying with each year’s needs. The amount of this contribution is not made public.
The foregoing is the most definite information obtainable on this subject. I hope it may be of some service to you.
Very respectfully yours,
M. Thackara,
American Consul General.